Judge blocks union election at American Airlines

June 13 (Reuters) - A judge on Wednesday temporarily halteda union organizing drive for 10,000 passenger service agents atbankrupt American Airlines that had been cleared by federalmediators.

U.S. District Judge Terry Means issued an order in FortWorth, Texas, preventing a representation election scheduled forJune 21 through Aug. 2.

The Communications Workers of America wants to representagents at airports nationwide.

Means found that American was likely to prevail in a lawsuit challenging criteria used by the National Mediation Board, orNMB, to permit the vote. The agency overseeing union ballotinghad asked Means to dismiss the complaint.

The closely watched decision comes amid a series oforganizing setbacks at big airlines.

Republicans in Congress have forced changes in law to makeit more difficult for airline labor groups to hold an election,pleasing industry and provoking liberal Democrats who count onunion political support.

Means scheduled a hearing for June 21 to determine whetherthe NMB exceeded its authority.

At issue is American's claim that mediators applied anoutdated standard for determining necessary worker support for aunion representation election.

A law that took effect in February requires at least 50percent of eligible workers to sign cards stating they want avote, up from the previous threshold of 35 percent.

The CWA said it requested an election before the standardwas changed, and the NMB agreed the vote should move forward.

The case is not expected to affect American's bankruptcyrestructuring. As a cost-cutting measure, the airline hasthreatened to void contracts for big unions, including pilotsand flight attendants, if they do not agree to steep concessionssoon.